About Complaining

Heartbreaking to see such destructive effects of complaining without first checking the facts or, in this case, assessing the situation. We probably complain for many different reasons, among which might be to relieve the stress and appease the indignation that we feel when we think a wrong has been done to us. But complaining always has its price. Our voices cause way more destructive power than we should, for everyone’s good.

Really respect the taxi driver for wanting to get his job back to support his family instead of accepting the monetary assistance offered. He probably needed any help he could get in his situation though.

It can be terribly frustrating to take a cab and wind up with a longer journey than you expected, because the cab driver took a wrong turn or got lost. Most passengers would refuse to pay extra for the trip. Some would probably even call up the taxi company and make an official complaint.

Mr T, who came to my MPS a couple of weeks ago, was one such cabby. He lost his job as a relief driver because he received a few complaints against him.

He was very sad because in all the cases, he had admitted fault, apologised to the passenger involved and refunded the difference. But the passengers decided to complain anyway. Which of course, they had a right to do. It doesn’t take many complaints before a relief driver is terminated. Which is not a bad thing if you are the customer.

The thing is, the customers did not know Mr T had a reason for being distracted. His wife was seriously ill with cancer. Not only did he face the pressure of being the sole breadwinner in a challenging situation, he was also exhausted from caring for her in the evenings. That affected his performance on the job.

He brought his wife’s diagnosis and doctor’s letters to show me. When I offered financial assistance, he declined politely but firmly. He just wanted his job back, so that he can continue to provide for his wife and himself.

It was hard to see a grown man try not to cry.

I did what I could, and I was very glad to receive a letter from his taxi company today, stating that it had reviewed his situation and decided to reinstate his relief driver pass.

I wish Mr T and his wife all the best. And I thank you for having read till the end of this little note. If you ever are in a frustratingly long cab ride, please do think about forgiving the cabby, especially if he’s apologised and given you a refund!